Gian Villante replaces Robert Drysdale, meets Cody Donovan at UFC 167

As MMAjunkie.com first reported, the Nevada State Athletic Commission denied Drysdale a license to fight after an out-of-competition drug test revealed an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone (T/E) ratio, leaving Donovan without an opponent. UFC officials today announced the new matchup.

UFC 167 takes place Nov. 16 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The event’s main card airs live on pay-per-view following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and MMAjunkie.com.

“Donnybrook” Donovan looks to rebound from a first-round knockout loss to Ovince St. Preux in August at UFC Fight Night 26 in Boston. That loss snapped a four-fight winning streak, including a knockout win in his UFC debut against Nick Penner this past December and a win under the Bellator banner.

Meanwhile, Villante takes the fight on short notice seeking his first UFC win. The 28-year-old fought five times under the Strikeforce banner and earned a three-fight winning streak for the promotion with victories over Derrick Mehmen, Trevor Smith and Keith Berry. However, he fell short in his UFC debut, suffering a technical-decision loss to Ovince St. Preux in on odd fight that was shortened by an “OSP” eye poke just 33 seconds into the final round.

With the replacement opponent in place, the UFC 167 lineup is again complete. The fight card includes:

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